In a mixing bowl, combine the crust ingredients with a fork until evenly moistened.

Lightly coat the bottom and sides of an 8-inch spring form pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Pour the crumbs into the pan; then using the bottom of a measuring cup or the smooth bottom of a glass, press the crumbs down into the base and 1-inch up the sides.

Refrigerate for 5 minutes.

FILLING:

Beat the cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until smooth. Add eggs 1 at a time and continue to beat slowly.

Gradually add sugar and beat until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla. The batter should be well-mixed but not overbeaten.

Pour the filling into the crust-lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Set the cheesecake pan on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the sides around it.

Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until the water is about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan; the foil will keep the water from seeping into the cheesecake.

Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours. The cheesecake should still jiggle, so be careful not to overcook.

Let cool in pan for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for at least 4 hours.

Loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan by running a thin metal spatula around the inside rim.

Unmold and transfer to a cake plate.

WARM LEMON BERRY TOPPING:

In a small saucepan add all the ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the fruit begins to break down slightly.

Leave to cool before spreading on cheesecake.

Using a spatula spread a layer of the topping over the surface of the cheesecake.

Slice the cheesecake with a thin, non-serrated knife that has been dipped in hot water. Wipe dry after each cut.

Ultimate Cheesecake Recipe Reviews

ultimate cheesecake

"This is truly the ultimate cheesecake. I liked that it was a little thinner than a normal cheesecake. I made it with raspberry sauce and had to double the sugar since the raspberries are a bit more tart."